A study on the microbial transformation of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) was conducted by a fungus, Cunninghamella blakesleeana CGMCC 3.970 systematically. After incubation with the cell cultures of C. blakesleeana CGMCC 3.970 at 25 degrees C for 7 days on a rotary shaker operating at 135 r x min(-1), GA was converted into one major product and five minor products. The products were extracted and purified by solvent extraction, macroporous adsorbent resin, silica gel column chromatography, and semi-preparative RP-HPLC chromatography. Their structures were identified as 3-oxo-15α-hydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid(1), 3-oxo-15β-hydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (2), 7β,15α-dihydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (3), 3-oxo-7β, 15α-dihydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (4), 7β-hydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid(5) and 15α-hydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid(6) by the analyses of MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic data respectively. Among them, 2 was a new compound. These results suggest that C. blakesleeana CGMCC 3.970 has the capability of selective ketonization and hydroxylation for GA. [Key words] glycyrrhetinic acid; Cunninghamella blakesleeana CGMCC 3. 970; microbial transformation
Biotransformation ; Cunninghamella ; metabolism ; Glycyrrhetinic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Molecular Structure ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

The aim of this study was to develop the data element standard directory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical pharmacy information, to provide application standards and models of TCM clinical pharmacy for the electronic medical record (EMR). The developed line of work is as follows: initially establish research through four forms: literature analysis, questionnaires, discussion groups, expert advice. The research range from the Chinese herbal medicine research, herbal origin, harvesting, processing, identification of traits, physical and chemical identification, modern research, character, taste, Indications, clinical application, processing, dispensing medicine, Chinese medicine specifications, usage, dosage, caution, efficacy indications to small packaging applications, drug research, management and other related issues, including traditional Chinese medicine theory, application and hospital management information; according to the general and part 16 content of the national "Health Information Data Element Standards", and the basic method of extracting data element to study and develop the data element of TCM clinical pharmacy information from the defining content. Correspondingly propose the ideas and methods of construction of the "Data Element Standard Directory of TCM Clinical Pharmacy Information", sort out medicine clinical information data element standard catalog, divided into basic categories, clinical application class, management class three parts, and set norms and standards of identifying data elements, definitions, allowable value of traditional Chinese medicine clinical information, and discuss the sources and standards of information collection, leaving the interface, standardized and scientific terminology, docking with the existing standards, maintenance and management program and oter issues.
China ; Data Mining ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Database Management Systems ; standards ; statistics & numerical data ; Electronic Health Records ; standards ; statistics & numerical data ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Information Dissemination ; methods ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Phytotherapy ; methods ; statistics & numerical data

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transfected with different oncogenes differentiate into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro.

METHODSMSCs, transfected with different oncogenes c-myc, K-ras, c-myc and K-ras and amplified in vitro, were infused into rats via vena portae. The recipient rats were divided into the hepatic impairment group, which were fed with tetrachloromethane and the healthy control group. At day 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 following grafting, the complete livers were obtained and examined using fluorescence detection, conventional pathology and immunohistochemistry detection of GFP, c-kit and AFP to study the colonization and distribution of stem cells in rat liver.

RESULTSNo immunological rejection occurred after grafting of allogenic MSCs. The infused MSCs colonized in the recipient rat liver. Liver tumors were present in 6 rats grafted with MSCs that were transfected with K-ras, K-ras and c-myc, and the protein expression of AFP was detected using immunocytochemistry at day 7. Rats grafted with MSCs that were transfected with c-myc gene had no obvious tuberosity or tumor. Small oval cells were found microscopically in the periphery of vena portae, and immunohistochemistry staining of AFP was negative. Immunohistochemical staining of c-kit was positive in all livers of rats that were transfected with MSCs.

CONCLUSIONSHepatocellular carcinoma may derive from genetically mutated MSCs.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Genes, myc ; genetics ; Genes, ras ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transfection

Objective To explore the effect of recovery sleep on the executive function after 36 h of total sleep deprivation by event related potential technology.Methods Thirteen healthy male college students participated in two trials. At the first trial normal sleep as control was investigated. At the second trial participants experienced 36 h of sleep deprivation and then accepted 8 h recovery sleep. In each trial six Go/Nogo tests were employed to test the executive control function and the ERP data were recorded. Results There was no statistical difference in behavior and ERP results at each time point as the subjects had normal sleep. After 36 h of sleep deprivation, the behavior results were statistically significant when compared to the baseline. The amplitude and latency of Nogo-N2, Nogo-P3 on Fz electrode, the amplitude and latency of Nogo-P3 on Cz electrode showed statistical significance when compared to the baseline. After 8 h recovery sleep, the average correct reaction time and the Go correct reaction rate had statistical significance compared to 36 h value. The amplitude of Nogo-N2 and Nogo-P3 had no statistical significance compared to the baseline.However,it was of statistical significance[(-6.80 3.95)vs(-3.37 2.63)μV,(10.63±6.62)vs(5.63±5.45)μV,(9.49±7.37)vs(6.08±6.56)μV] compared to 36 h value. The latency of the recovery value of Nogo-N2 and Nogo-P3 was statistically significant[(254.14±15.55)vs(243.08±13.97)ms(382.14±41.07)vs(349.17±30.36)ms,(369.86±26.48)vs(347.48±29.24)ms]compared to the baseline.Conclusion As the time of sleep deprivation is prolonged, the executive function is impaired and the executive function is not completely recovered after 8 h recovery sleep.

0.05).(3)The average CTDIvol values were 60?5 mGy,88?10 mGy for 2C_2 and NC_2(C_2)groups,respectively.The corresponding ED values were(12.3?1.0)and(18.0?2.0)mSv,respectively.The CTDIvol and ED values for 2C_2 group were about 32% lower than those of NC_2 group and were statistically significant with P

Objective To evaluate the characteristics of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin and explore its feasibility in early detection of secondary infectious foci of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).Methods Ciprofloxacin was labeled with 99Tcm.The labeling efficiency and radiochemical purity of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin were calculated and its biodistribution in normal pigs was measured.The recruited baby pigs were divided into three groups:normal control group (6), non-infected group (6) and infected group (16).370-400 MBq of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin was injected into each pig intravenously.SPECT scanning was performed at 0.5, 1,2, 3, 4 and 6 h after administration.The differences of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin uptake among groups were calculated and the tracer activity ratio of lesion-to-background was recorded at each time point.The diagnostic value of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin SPECT imaging for the dectection of secondary infection of SAP was assessed using histopathological results as the gold standard.Variance analysis and least significant difference test were used to analyze the data.Results Both the labehing efficiency and radiochemical purity of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin were over 90% within 6 h.Organs with rich blood supply, such as kidney, liver and spleen were the target organs for the accumulation of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin; while no significant uptake was found in gastrointestinal tract or normal pancreas tissue of SAP.Rapid plasma clearance and renal excretion were observed.In the infected group, the lesion was visualized at 1 h after administration.The highest radioactivity ratio of lesion-to-background (3.36 ± 0.33) was at 3 h after administration, which was significantly higher than that of the other time point ( F =99.570, P ＜0.001 ).The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, Youden's index (YI) and Kappa value of 99Tc%ciprofloxacin imaging were 88.2% (15/17), 83.3% (5/6), 93.8% ( 15/16), 71.4% (5/7), 0.715 and 0.667 respectively.Conclusions The biodistribution of99Tcm-ciprofloxacin is suitable for imaging infectious focus of SAP.The optimal imaging time for the detection of secondary infection of SAP is 3 h after administration, with high sensitivity and specificity.

Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture at "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Baihui" (GV20) on behaviors and contents of monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine (DA), noradrenalin (NE) and 5-hydroxytrypamine (5-HT) in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rats; To discuss mechanism of action of acupuncture for prevention and treatment of ADHD. Methods 4-week-old SHR rats were randomly divided into the model group, Western medicine group and acupuncture group, and WKY rats with the same age were selected as the normal control group, with 10 rats in each group. Acupuncture was applied to "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Baihui" (GV20) of rats in acupuncture group for 15 min. The rats in Western medicine group was given MPH (ritalin) for gavage, and rats were treated for 4 weeks in the dark-phase. Open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM) and novel object recognition test (NORT) were conducted to evaluate the spontaneous activity, impulsivity and learning-memorial ability of rats individually at the end of treatment. Contents of DA, NE and 5-HT in PFC were detected by HPLC. Results Compared with the normal control group, all of the behavior parameters of rats in model group were significantly higher (P＜0.05), and the contents of DA, NE and 5-HT in PFC of model group were lower than those of normal control group (P＜0.05). Compared with the model group, acupuncture group showed shorter movement distance, less rearing and fewer grooming activities in the OFT; percentages of times of entering the open arms and staying duration were reduced in the total period in the EPM; preference index in the NORT was elevated (P＜0.05); the contents of NE and 5-HT in PFC of acupuncture group increased significantly (P＜0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture at "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) and "Baihui" (GV20) canreduce the spontaneous activity and impulsivity, and improve learning and memory ability of ADHD model rats, which may be related to elevated contents of NE and 5-HT in the PFC.

OBJECTIVELeptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone regulating body weight and energy balance in animals and human being. Although the physiological functions of leptin in human are still unclear, its secretion is closely related to fat mass and energy expenditure in both adults and children. This study investigated whether the plasma leptin level was reduced in connection with the weight loss during the neonatal period and try to find out the role of leptin in body weight regulation and energy balance of premature infants.

METHODSThe radioimmunoassay was used to determine the plasma leptin concentration. The first blood samples were obtained at the delivered, and then collected the samples every two days until the infants' body weight recovered to the birth weight or above. At the same time, the essential fluid and energy for the patients were supplied to keep their physiological functions. One person was appointed to take responsibility to examine the body weight, body length and head circumference. Then computed out their Kaup index from the first day to the seventh or twelfth day.

RESULTSA total of 26 premature infants were selected into the study, of which 14 cases were male and 12 female, and their gestational age ranged from 30 to 36 weeks. There was a significantly positive correlation between the premature newborns' body weight loss and their plasma leptin levels (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.766; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.636; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.629; the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.717; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.587; P < 0.01). The time of body weight loss and the plasma leptin level which declined to extremely low were positively correlated. (r = 0.611, P < 0.01). The time when body weight loss declined to extremely low in 26 premature infants ranged form the 3rd to the 9th day after birth [(5.2 +/- 1.6) day], and that of the plasma leptin levels ranged form the 3rd to the 8th day after birth (4.7 +/- 1.4) day. The maximal ranges of the body weight loss and the plasma leptin decrease in 26 premature infants were (6.5 +/- 3.0)% and (59.6 +/- 11.3)%, respectively. In addition, there were significantly positive correlations among the plasma leptin level, the premature newborns' body length (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.609, P < 0.01; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.419, P < 0.05; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.583, P < 0.01; the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.626, P < 0.01; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.482; P < 0.05), and the Kaup index (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.634; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.534; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.542; the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.611; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.539; P < 0.01). Although the head circumference correlated positively with the plasma leptin level at the first week after the delivery (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.580, P < 0.01; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.417, P < 0.05; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.426; P < 0.01). There was a lower correlation between them one week after the delivery (the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.369; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.323; P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThere was a significantly positive correlation between the plasma leptin level and the premature newborns weight loss. Leptin may participate in the regulation of energy balance and body weight of premature infants during neonatal life. Leptin may play an important role in growth and development of premature infants.

Body Weight ; physiology ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Leptin ; blood ; Radioimmunoassay ; Time Factors ; Weight Loss ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the multiple iron metabolism-related genes expression, its regulation by iron and the expression correlation among the genes in rat tissues.

METHODSTwo groups (n=30) of Sprague-Dawley female weanling rats were fed with a control diet and an iron deficient diet respectively for 4 weeks. All rats were then sacrificed, and blood and tissue samples were collected. The routine blood examination was performed with a veterinary automatic blood cell analyzer. Elemental iron levels in liver, spleen and serum were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The mRNA expression of genes was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.

RESULTSAfter 4 weeks, the hemoglobin (Hb) level and red blood cell (RBC) count were significantly lower in the iron deficient group compared with those in the control group. The iron levels in liver, spleen and serum in the iron deficient group were significantly lower than those in the control group. In reference to small intestine, the relative expression of each iron-related gene varied in the different tissues. Under the iron deficiency, the expression of these genes changed in a tissue-specific manner. The expression of most of the genes significantly correlated in intestine, spleen and lung, but few correlated in liver, heart and kidney.

CONCLUSIONFindings from our study provides new understandings about the relative expression, regulation by iron and correlation among the mRNA expressions of transferrin receptors 1 and 2, divalent metal transporter 1, ferritin, iron regulation proteins 1 and 2, hereditary hemochromatosis protein, hepcidin, ferroportin 1 and hephaestin in intestine, liver, spleen, kidney, heart, and lung of rat.

Animals ; Ferritins ; blood ; Gene Expression ; Hepcidins ; Iron ; Liver ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

A field trial was carried out to study the influence of different kinds of spring topdressing on growth, yield and quality of Ligusticum chuanxiong. The results showed that the spring topdressing had effects of improving root length, tiller numbers and plant height to some extent. At the same time the chlorophyll content and dry weight accumulation especially the dry weight of root increased significantly. It also showed that the yield increased and quality was improved significantly. The effect of different treatment with urea58.7 kg x hm(-2)(N 27 kg x hm(-2)) was the best and the treatment with N,P,K the second.
Alkaloids ; metabolism ; Coumaric Acids ; metabolism ; Fertilizers ; Ligusticum ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Seasons